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06 Congressman Price can get that requirement changed or at the least get some type of minimal funding this year. Other discussion about possible funding issues including a notification on the federal level farm bill that that could have potential funds channeled to NC through the NRCS, staff worked on database of people who had expressed interest and submitted it and hope to hear back next month. Also there has been interest expressed at the Agricultural Summit for another Golden Leaf Foundation application. Stancil recalled that we submitted an application in late 1999, which was not funded. At the Agricultural Summit Commissioner Phipps noted that the tobacco quota may be gone in a couple months. If that happens we may have tobacco farmers, in Orange County, looking to sell land for development purposes. A grant asking for funds to match Orange county funds for conservation easements on tobacco farms might be something to try. Stancil noted that the next application cycle appears to be in August and asked for feedback from the APB. The APB favored submitting another grant application. Kleese suggested approaching the grant from a job creation perspective —such as getting money to set up a processing facility where local farmers can pool their produce and get it into the system, thereby putting people to work. Another issue discussed was that the Carolina Organic Growers have a cooperative in the state and that they have lost their distribution drop site at the airport and are looking for a central location for a new distribution warehouse in the state. It was suggested that the APB work with the Ag sub - committee of the EDC, and that the two boards could co- promote job creation. The idea of having EDC associated with the application would give it that extra spin. Staff to investigate and report back to the APB. d. Report – 4th Annual Ag Summit (February 19) Stancil reported that about 70 people came to the Agricultural Summit including about about 35 farmers. The APB reviewed the results of the questionnaire distributed at the Summit. Warren suggested more participation for the FFA from Orange High School in next year's program. e. Other Staff Updates Stancil reported that staff have received inquiries from two potential VAD applicants, Don Johnson with the Bacon Family Limited Partnership located on St. Mary's Road and Lee Miller on Pearson Road. The Bacon application should be on the next meeting agenda in March. Stancil reminded the APB that it is time for the annual chair and vice -chair elections and asked members to be prepared to nominate and vote at the next meeting. The next meeting date, March 20tH ITEM #5: Adjournment The APB adjourned at 9:15 p.m.